Angels Fight to Avoid First 100-Loss Season in Franchise History

A historic record at risk

Since their debut in 1961, the Los Angeles Angels are the only MLB franchise never to have lost 100 games in a single season. That streak is now in jeopardy. After a 6-1 win over the Boston Red Sox on September 8, the team's record stood at 55-90, according to Yardbarker, putting them on pace for a 61-101 finish. To avoid triple-digit losses, they needed to go at least 8-9 over their remaining games at that point. Later, with 10 games left, Yahoo Sports reported the club needed to go at least 5-5 down the stretch to preserve the distinction.

Extra-inning win over the Twins

On Thursday, September 17, the Angels hosted the Minnesota Twins in game 153 of the season. Rookie right-hander Walbert Urena (9-10, 2.88 ERA) started for Los Angeles against Taj Bradley (11-6, 3.81 ERA). Entering the game, the Angels were slight underdogs, priced at 49% on Polymarket and by Covers.com. The game turned dramatic late: Twins rookie Walker Jenkins hit a two-out, two-run homer in the ninth to tie it 3-3, and Brooks Lee's RBI single gave Minnesota a 4-3 lead in the 10th. The Angels answered, with Mike Trout delivering a tying RBI single and Wade Meckler following with the game-winning RBI single for a 5-4 victory. Pitcher Blake Weiman (1-10) closed out the inning.

An unusual save-related record too

Beyond the loss count, the Angels face another oddity: per Yardbarker, the club could become the first team since 1974 to go an entire season without any pitcher recording at least five saves. The team's current saves leaders, Jordan Romano and Ryan Zeferjahn, each have four saves this year — but neither still plays for the club; Romano was released back in April.

Trout is batting .243 this season with 21 home runs and 52 RBIs across 132 games, posting an .806 OPS.